So, you’re probably more than a little upset that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is forcing you to change your wedding date. That’s okay. It is normal to be upset, mad, sad, feeling like you have no control.
Take some time to feel those feelings of grief and anger, and know that you’re not alone.
But please remember that you do have some control! You can postpone/reschedule your wedding to a date in late 2020 or even in 2021 to give you the opportunity to still have the day you’ve been dreaming about without the stress of whether your plans will be cancelled due to a shutdown.
I’m sure planning your wedding during a pandemic is NOT what you thought you’d be doing, and, if you are just starting out with your planning, I would recommend checking out my article on How To Plan Your Wedding During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Here at Casey Fatchett Photography, I have been working with couples for 20 years to help them plan their weddings, as well as manage the stress and difficulties along the way. I want you to know that I am here for you (and by you, I mean whomever is reading this article, not just the people who’ve hired me) to help you through this difficult time.
How Do You Choose a New Wedding Date?
First, think about who you consulted when you chose your original wedding date – your partner, your close family & friends – the “must have” people you need to have at your wedding
You also need to talk to your vendors (venue, photographer, wedding planner, officiant, caterers, DJ, band, florist, etc.) about what your new date will be. You will want to keep as many of your original vendors as possible (to hold on to those deposits), so finding out which dates they’re available is going to be key.
Talking to Wedding Vendors in the Time of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Okay, so, your wedding vendors are probably freaking out right now. The wedding and event industry is taking an enormous hit right now. Many of us are sole proprietors and this pandemic is devastating. So, please, understand that we’re under a lot of pressure too. You are rescheduling your wedding, and we’re most likely rescheduling A LOT of weddings.
This is going to be like working on a very large jigsaw puzzle trying to fit all of the different events into a schedule that works for everyone involved. It’s going to take a lot effort on everyone’s part.
I’ve found it is best in my dealings thus far for couples to send out ONE email to all their vendors at the beginning setting out possible dates to reschedule. Then individual vendors can reply with dates they’re not available, and contract discussions (if necessary) can take place individually.
It just keeps you from writing the same email over and over again, and it ensures that everyone is getting the same information. Then you have to start juggling all that info as it comes back to you.
Be Flexible
A LOT of couples are switching dates. Availability of Saturdays in the second half of 2020 (and especially the last third of 2020) is going to be at a premium. You may want to consider a Friday or Sunday (or even a Thursday!) or even looking at 2021.
Honor Your Original Wedding Date
Looking to still honor your original wedding date? I put together some fun ways you can still celebrate your original wedding date in my article Should You Reshape Your Wedding Because of COVID-19?
Reshaping Your Celebration
Are you considering reshaping your wedding? Perhaps having a smaller, intimate wedding with just close friends and family?
How about eloping or having a private ceremony once restrictions loosen up a little, and then planning the reception/celebration for a later date.
I’ve already seen some couples in areas that are not completely shut down yet have a simple ceremony with themselves, an officiant, and a photographer (who also served as witness). While I wouldn’t recommend doing that now, it is something to consider once the restrictions aren’t quite as strict as they are now.
Read more about how to rethink your wedding celebration in my article Should You Reshape Your Wedding Because of COVID-19?
Communicating the Change of Plans to Your Guests
Once you’ve settled on a new date for your wedding because of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is time to communicate that change with all of your guests.
Even if you’re just considering changing your wedding date, it is best to start letting your guests know as soon as possible so that they can be appropriately prepared.
Send “Change the Date” Cards
Include all pertinent information for your guests involving your change of date. Be sure to specify all major changes (change of venue, date, time, etc.) that they should be aware of.
My partners over at Minted.com put together a helpful blog post with some tips on wording your postponement cards.
Update Your Wedding Website
If you have a wedding website, update it with all of your new information as soon as you have it. If you have a means of reaching out to all of your guests electronically (email list, etc.), it would be a good idea to send out a link to your update site to remind your guests that plans are changing.
Still Feeling Overwhelmed?
If you’re still feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or just have questions, please feel free to contact me any time. I am happy to help in any way that I can.
